Small-arms weapon sight

ABSTRACT

A gun sight assembly is provided comprising a front sight and a rear sight that cooperatively define an aiming axis for aiming the weapon. The sights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from the aiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning the weapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gun sight by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receives positive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignment arms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In this manner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly and intuitively visually discerned by the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to weapon sights and, more particularly, weapon sights and related method for aiming for small-arms weapons.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Sights are commonly used to assist a user in aiming a weapon. The most widespread type of sight is implemented by aligning a pair of markers both with each other and with a target. Typically, these sights comprise a front sight and a rear sight, both made of metal and commonly known as “iron sights.” More complex types of sights may comprise lasers or other optical devices. Iron sights, as the simplest and most inexpensive type of sight, are the most popular variety.

Iron sights are commonly used with firearms such as handguns and hunting rifles. When aiming at a moving target such as in shooting competitions, time is of the essence. It is also beneficial to leave most of the target visible, for instance, to monitor a target's directional motion, velocity, and acceleration.

In a common variety of iron sight, either the front sight or the rear sight is substantially a solid block with an indentation in it. The other sight is aligned in this indentation, often directly below the target. This configuration poses several problems. With a substantially solid mass formed when the sights are aligned, a sizeable portion of the target is obscured, usually the lower portion. Thus, since the target is hidden by such sights, novice users can have difficultly aligning accurately on the target.

Further, common embodiments of a gun sight are not intuitive to align. This results in the alignment process taking a relatively long time, particularly for unskilled users. As a result, target alignment can be a time consuming proposition, particularly for inexperienced individuals.

It should, therefore, be appreciated that there exists a need for a sight system that leaves a wide field of open space to view the target and is intuitive to rapidly and precisely align. The present invention fulfills these needs and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a gun sight assembly comprising a front sight and a rear sight that cooperatively define an aiming axis (A_(a)) for aiming the weapon. The sights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from the aiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning the weapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gun sight by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receives positive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignment arms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In this manner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly and intuitively visually discerned by the user.

In an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, The front sight has having an upwardly projecting alignment arm, and the rear sight has two downwardly projecting alignment arms. The alignment arms are disposed about with the aiming axis in a radial manner, such that they visually align with one another when the user has the weapon properly aimed at the target.

In detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights are oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangular arrangement. More particularly, the alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontal plane.

In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment, the front sight consists of a single alignment arm, and the rear sight consists of two alignment arms, all of which are oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangular arrangement.

For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of a gun sight in accordance with the invention, depicting a front sight and a rear sight mounted on a handgun.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gun sight of FIG. 1, depicted the front sight and the rear sight aligned to provide a sight picture.

FIG. 3 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 1, properly aligned along the central longitudinal axis.

FIG. 4 is a rear plan view of a gun sight similar to FIG. 1, further comprising illumining tips.

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of the gun sight of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of a second embodiment of a gun sight in accordance with the invention, aligned along a central longitudinal axis.

FIG. 7 is a rear plan view of a third embodiment of a gun sight in accordance with the invention, aligned along a central longitudinal axis.

FIG. 8 is a right perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a gun sight in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a right perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a gun sight in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of a sixth embodiment of a gun sight in accordance with the invention, depicting arc-shaped notches defined at each tip end of the alignment arms.

FIG. 13 is perspective view of a sixth embodiment of a gun sight in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 14 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 13, depicting the gun sight aligned at a first target distance.

FIG. 15 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 13, depicting the gun sight aligned at a second target distance.

FIG. 16 is a rear plan view of the gun sight of FIG. 13, depicting the gun sight aligned at a third target distance.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a gun sight assembly 10 comprising a front sight 12 and a rear sight 14 that cooperatively define an aiming axis (A_(a)) for aiming the weapon. The sights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from the aiming axis. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear sight 14 comprises two alignment arms 16, 18 that angle downwardly towards the aiming axis, and the front sight 12 includes a single alignment arm 20 that projects upwardly towards the aiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning the weapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gun sight 10 by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receive positive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignment arms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In this manner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly and intuitively visually discerned by the user.

The front sight 12 and the rear sight 14 are aligned along a top surface of the weapon 8 such that the aiming axis is (A_(a)) aligned with the axis of the gun barrel. The alignment arm 20 projects from a base 22 of the front sight 12. The front alignment arm 20 is orientated vertically relative to a horizontal plane. The rear alignment arms 16, 18 are symmetrically oriented relative to the front alignment arm. More particularly, the alignment arms project radially transverse from the aiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (120 degrees), providing an intuitive alignment visualization superior to traditional methods.

The base 20 of the front sight 12 include an upper edge that provides a curved segment 24 centered about the alignment arm 20, such that the alignment arm 20 projects from the nadir of the curved segment 24.

The rear sight 14 is coupled to the top surface of the weapon proximate to a proximal end thereof. The rear sight includes a base 26 and two upstanding post segments 28, 30 that project from the base 26. The posts 28, 30 are oriented vertically relative to the horizontal plane. The alignment arms 16, 18 project from the posts 18, 30, respectively, radially towards the aiming axis (A_(a)).

The rear sight 14 defines a view aperture 32 through which the alignment arm 20 of the front side is visible when the weapon is properly aligned. The view aperture 32 is defined by the curved segment 34 of the rear sight. The rear side and the front side of cooperatively shaped, including the curved segment 24 and curved segment 34, such that the base of the front side is not visible to the user when the weapon is properly aligned.

With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 5, the alignment arms 16, 18 and 20 each have a tapered profile that terminates at a pointed tip. In the exemplary embodiment, the tips of alignment arms 16 and 18 have a narrow gap therebetween of approximately 1 to 5 mm, however, the size of the gap can vary in other embodiments without departing from the invention. When the weapon is properly aligned, the tip of the alignment arm 20 visually appears to fill the gap from the user's perspective. In other embodiments, the tips of the alignment arms can collectively define a circular shaped gap via arc-shaped notches defined at each tip end, see FIG. 12. In yet other embodiments, the tips of the rear alignment arms can touch such that alignment is achieved by visually appearing to make the tip of the front alignment arm with the tips of the rear alignment arms.

In the exemplary embodiment, the front and rear sights utilize mounting or bonding schemes already provided by the weapon (e.g. a channel, mounting screws, and the like, depending on make and model).

In other exemplary embodiments, the sight can further include adjustment functionality, such as adjustments for the gap between the tips (and/or from the imaginary axis) for windage and elevation. For example, the rear sight can be configured to enable the user to make such adjustments.

With reference now to FIG. 4, the tips of the alignment arms can further be configured to illuminate. For example, illuminating paint 36 or other illuminating material can be applied to the tips. In other embodiments, light sources such as LED, light pipes, lasers, and others can also be used.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a gun sight 40 is shown having a rear sight 42 and a front sight 44. The rear sight 42 includes two alignment arms 46, 48, and the front sight 44 also includes two alignment arms 50, 52. In this embodiment, the alignment arms are not oriented in equiangular arrangement, however, the alignment arms are symmetrically aligned relative to a vertical axis. Further, the alignment arms are aligned radially relative to the aiming axis (A_(a)). The rear sight 42 includes a base 54 and two upstanding post segments 56, 58 that project from the base 54. The posts 56, 58 are oriented vertically relative to a horizontal plane. The front sight 44 an upper edge that provides a curved segment that corresponds to a curved segment of the rear sight 42.

With reference now to FIG. 7, a gun sight 60 is shown, in which a rear sight 62 and front sight 64. The rear sight includes alignment arms 66, 68 and defines a view aperture 70 having a circular segment between the alignment arms 66, 68. The front sight 64 also includes two alignment arms 72, 74. The four alignment arms (66, 68, 72, 74) oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (90 degrees).

With reference now to FIGS. 8 and 9, a gun sight 80 is show having a rear sight 82 with a circular view aperture 84. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the rear sight and the front sight 86, collectively include four alignment arms oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (90 degrees). The four alignment arms are directed to the center of the visual circle, which in turn passes through the aiming axis.

With reference now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a gun sight 90 is show having a rear sight 92 with a circular view aperture 94. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the rear sight and the front sight 96, collectively include three alignment arms oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (120 degrees). The three alignment arms are directed to the center of the visual circle, which in turn passes through the aiming axis.

With reference now to FIG. 12, a gun sight 100 is show having a rear sight 102 with a circular segment 104. Similar to embodiments discussed above, the rear sight and the front sight 106, collectively include three alignment arms oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis (A_(a)) in equiangular arrangement (120 degrees). The three alignment arms are directed to the center of the visual circle, which in turn passes through the aiming axis. The distal ends of each of the alignment arms define an arc-shaped notch at its distal end. In this manner, when properly aligned, the alignment arms define a circular void 108 centered upon the aiming axis.

With reference now to FIGS. 13-16, a gun sight 120 is shown having a rear sight 122 and a front sight 124. The rear sight 122 includes two alignment arms 126, 128, and the front sight 124 also includes two alignment arms 130, 132. In this embodiment, the alignment arms are not oriented in equiangular arrangement, however, the alignment arms are symmetrically aligned relative to a vertical axis. The rear alignments arms 126, 128 include a plurality of terminal tips (134(a, b), 136(a, b), and 138(a, b)) paired vertically spaced alignment. The pairs of terminal tips are spaced to account of projectile drop for targets at various distances. For example, the top pair of tips 138(a, b) can be tailor for targets at approximately 100±10 yards away. The middle pair of tips 136(a, b) can be tailor for targets at approximately 50±10 yards away. The bottom pair of tips 134(a, b) can be tailor for targets at approximately 25±10 yards away. Alignment is achieve by visually touching the tips of the front arms 130, 132, to the appropriate pair of tips of the rear arms.

In other embodiments, adjustable stops can be provided to a movable part of the sight, e.g., the rear arms, to enable users to account for estimated ballistics and/or range options. For example, windage can be accounted for by a screw mechanism, adjustable stops, or other means to vary the positioning and/or gap of rear sight arms. Graduation marks could be used on front or rear sight.

In yet other embodiments, a transparent printable material, e.g., glass or plastic, be used with one or more of the sites, in which the front alignment arm(s) are printed on see-through material. In such embodiments, multiple versions of see-through sights that can be quickly remounted on the weapon.

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a gun sight comprising a front sight and a rear sight that cooperatively define an aiming axis (A_(a)) for aiming the weapon. The sights include alignment arms that project in a radial manner from the aiming axis. The gun sight provides an initiative means for aligning the weapon. In use, the user aligns the weapon on a target utilizing the gun sight by placing his sightline along the aiming axis. The user receives positive visual confirmation of correct alignment, when the alignment arms all radiate from a single point (i.e., on the aiming axis). In this manner, any variation from precise alignment can be quickly and intuitively visually discerned by the user.

Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A weapon sight system, comprising: a front sight that attaches to a distal end of a weapon proximate to a muzzle of a gun barrel, the front sight having an upwardly projecting alignment arm; a rear sight that attaches to a proximal end of a weapon such that the front sight and the rear sight define a longitudinal aiming axis extending from the rear sight through the front sight for aligning the weapon upon a target, the rear sight having two downwardly projecting alignment arms, extending its terminal end point the aiming axis such that the alignment arms are aligned with the aiming axis in a radial manner; wherein the rear alignment arms are visually aligned with the front alignment arms along the aiming axis when the user has the weapon aimed at the target.
 2. The sight system as defined in claim 1, wherein the front alignment arm and the rear alignment arms each taper to a terminal point.
 3. The sight system as defined in claim 1, wherein the each arm includes an illuminative tip.
 4. The sight system as defined in claim 1, wherein the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights are oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangular arrangement.
 5. The sight system as defined in claim 4, wherein the alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontal plane.
 6. The sight system as defined in claim 1, wherein the front sight includes a second alignment arm radially aligned with the aiming axis.
 7. The sight system as defined in claim 1, wherein: the alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontal plane and is the sole alignment arm of the front sight; the two alignment arms of the rear sight are the sole alignment arms of the rear site; and the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights are oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangular arrangement.
 8. The sight system as defined in claim 1, wherein the rear sight defines a circular view aperture.
 9. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 1, wherein the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights each define an arc-shaped notch at its distal end.
 10. A small-arms weapon having a sight system, comprising: a weapon body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a gun barrel for dispensing a projectile; a front sight attached proximate to the distal end of the weapon body, the front sight having an upwardly projecting alignment arm; a rear sight attached proximate to the proximal end of the weapon body, such that the front sight and the rear sight define a longitudinal aiming axis extending from the rear sight through the front sight for aligning the weapon upon a target, the rear sight having two downwardly projecting alignment arms, extending its terminal end point the aiming axis such that the alignment arms are aligned with the aiming axis in a radial manner; wherein the rear alignment arms are visually aligned with the front alignment arms along the aiming axis when the user has the weapon aimed at the target.
 11. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the front alignment arm and the rear alignment arms each taper to a terminal point.
 12. The small arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the each arm includes an illuminative tip.
 13. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights are oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangular arrangement.
 14. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 13, wherein the alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontal plane.
 15. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the front sight includes a second alignment arm radially aligned with the aiming axis.
 16. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein: the alignment arm of the front sight is oriented transverse to a horizontal plane and is the sole alignment arm of the front sight; the two alignment arms of the rear sight are the sole alignment arms of the rear site; and the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights are oriented radially transverse to the aiming axis in equiangular arrangement.
 17. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the rear sight defines a circular view aperture.
 18. The small-arms weapon as defined in claim 10, wherein the alignment arms of the front and the rear sights each define an arc-shaped notch at its distal end. 